Beyond the skiing: Spending time in Tokyo is a must - it is the world's most exciting city. Kyoto is the beating cultural heart of the nation. Get off the beaten track and stay in a ryokan or capsule hotel, visit markets, discover traditional Japanese arts and explore modern otaku culture.

The Japan Ski Week

Duration: one week

Tokyo and one of the ski resorts on Honshu Island - although you could replace these with Niseko or Rusutsu on Hokkaido and the itinerary works just as well. This is an itinerary for those short on time, but would like a taste of what Japan has to offer in the winter. The only problem is that we can almost guarantee than you'll find yourself coming back next year to delve deeper and explore further!

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer straight up to either Nozawa Onsen or Hakuba. It depends which takes your fancy most - the former a traditional Japanese hot spring ski village, the latter a lively valley of resorts, with so much terrain you'll ski a different mountain very day?

Days 2 - 5

Four days skiing and bathing in Nozawa Onsen or exploring the Hakuba valley. From both, an excursion to visit to the snow monkeys in Jigokudani is possible.

Day 6

Transfer by train back to Tokyo and check in to your central hotel, be it in Shinjuku or East Tokyo. Enjoy your first night amongst the craziness of Shibuya, Harajuku or Kichijioji.

Day 7

Spend the day exploring Tokyo - put your new-found Japanese language skills to the test sightseeing and buying souvenirs. We have many ideas, including excursions or we have developed some sight-seeing notes to help you navigate the city.

Day 8

Head to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport for your flights home.

Obviously, cost depends on which accommodation you choose, how many excursions and activities you want to book, whether you wish to include ski hire and lift passes…etc. An indicative lead-in price for this one week itinerary would be circa £675 (¥118,000) per person, based on 3 or 4 star accommodation (low season), transfers & lift passes.

Different Snow can also include flights from your home country, be it the UK or elsewhere. By keeping it all within one package, your arrangements are protected.

Different Snow strive to offer the most competitive prices in all instances. However, we pride ourselves first and foremost on quality - we are an independent specialist tour operator and, therefore, are not beholden to any supplier. We make our decisions based only on what’s best for you in each and every instance.

1. Get in touch with Different Snow

Whether you wish to plan your trip around one of these sample itineraries or you have other ideas, simply get in touch by phone or online. If using our online form, ideally we would like to still try get in contact with you by phone to discuss your requirements, but this is not essential.

2. Let us create a bespoke itinerary

We have the first-hand knowledge, travel industry experience and local contacts required to put your plans into action. We can answer your questions, offer suggestions and advice to suit your tastes and budget. We will carefully design your trip, creating a detailed itinerary which you will receive via email. We can then refine it until you are completely happy.

3. Confirm the arrangements with us

Once you are satisfied with all the arrangements, we ask you to complete a booking form and pay a deposit to secure your trip. Everything is secured once you receive our confirmation invoice. Even after booking, you’ll undoubtedly think of more questions. Feel free to call us at any time!

4. We'll send you your travel documents

Approximately three weeks before travel you will receive your travel documents. We will also provide additional information, such as restaurant recommendations, cultural notes, packing lists and one or two home-spun guides - created through our personal experience.

5. Tell your friends about Different Snow

It is important to us that your holiday exceeds your expectations! Different Snow will continue to grow through personal recommendations and word of mouth and, therefore, it is essential to us that you have a great holiday. We want you to travel with us again. Once you've returned we want to hear all about it and we'll certainly encourage you to tell all your friends!

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer straight up to either Nozawa Onsen or Hakuba. It depends which takes your fancy most - the former a traditional Japanese hot spring ski village, the latter a lively valley of resorts, with so much terrain you'll ski a different mountain very day?

Days 2 - 5

Four days skiing and bathing in Nozawa Onsen or exploring the Hakuba valley. From both, an excursion to visit to the snow monkeys in Jigokudani is possible.

Day 6

Transfer by train back to Tokyo and check in to your central hotel, be it in Shinjuku or East Tokyo. Enjoy your first night amongst the craziness of Shibuya, Harajuku or Kichijioji.

Day 7

Spend the day exploring Tokyo - put your new-found Japanese language skills to the test sightseeing and buying souvenirs. We have many ideas, including excursions or we have developed some sight-seeing notes to help you navigate the city.

Day 8

Obviously, cost depends on which accommodation you choose, how many excursions and activities you want to book, whether you wish to include ski hire and lift passes…etc. An indicative lead-in price for this one week itinerary would be circa £675 (¥118,000) per person, based on 3 or 4 star accommodation (low season), transfers & lift passes.

Different Snow can also include flights from your home country, be it the UK or elsewhere. By keeping it all within one package, your arrangements are protected.

Different Snow strive to offer the most competitive prices in all instances. However, we pride ourselves first and foremost on quality - we are an independent specialist tour operator and, therefore, are not beholden to any supplier. We make our decisions based only on what’s best for you in each and every instance.

1. Get in touch with Different Snow

Whether you wish to plan your trip around one of these sample itineraries or you have other ideas, simply get in touch by phone or online. If using our online form, ideally we would like to still try get in contact with you by phone to discuss your requirements, but this is not essential.

2. Let us create a bespoke itinerary

We have the first-hand knowledge, travel industry experience and local contacts required to put your plans into action. We can answer your questions, offer suggestions and advice to suit your tastes and budget. We will carefully design your trip, creating a detailed itinerary which you will receive via email. We can then refine it until you are completely happy.

3. Confirm the arrangements with us

Once you are satisfied with all the arrangements, we ask you to complete a booking form and pay a deposit to secure your trip. Everything is secured once you receive our confirmation invoice. Even after booking, you’ll undoubtedly think of more questions. Feel free to call us at any time!

4. We'll send you your travel documents

Approximately three weeks before travel you will receive your travel documents. We will also provide additional information, such as restaurant recommendations, cultural notes, packing lists and one or two home-spun guides - created through our personal experience.

5. Tell your friends about Different Snow

It is important to us that your holiday exceeds your expectations! Different Snow will continue to grow through personal recommendations and word of mouth and, therefore, it is essential to us that you have a great holiday. We want you to travel with us again. Once you've returned we want to hear all about it and we'll certainly encourage you to tell all your friends!

Beyond the skiing: Spending time in Tokyo is a must - it is the world's most exciting city. Kyoto is the beating cultural heart of the nation. Get off the beaten track and stay in a ryokan or capsule hotel, visit markets, discover traditional Japanese arts and explore modern otaku culture.